I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed right now. I’m 19 and honestly don’t know what to do. I could really use some solid advice.
I lent my car to a friend so he could drive some older friends at our main state college. It’s a busy area where a lot of people think they can drive, but clearly they can’t. My friend was at a stop sign, waiting to go straight, when an SUV, with its right turn signal on, came from my car’s left side and slammed into the front of the driver’s side. The driver was drunk and ended up getting arrested. Throughout this, my friend didn’t move the car at all; it was stationary the whole time. Apparently, the guy tried to flee, but the police cornered him and forced him into a parking lot.
I’ve been told to wait 2-3 business days for the police report before I can do anything, as advised by the officers. As a freshman in college, I’m about to face a hefty monthly payment of $1,300 for my car, rent, and fraternity dues, all while trying to make ends meet.
What should I do now? Am I facing trouble with my insurance and financial situation? Will I be compensated for the damage? I’m worried because the driver didn’t seem to have much money and has a slight criminal record. His bond was set at $1,000, which feels off to me. I have pictures of the incident as well. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!
Hey, I’m really sorry to hear you’re going through such a tough situation. It sounds really stressful, but there are steps you can take to navigate this.
Contact Your Insurance: As soon as you have the police report, contact your insurance company to inform them about the accident. Explain that your car was stationary when it was hit, and provide them with all the details you have. Since the other driver was drunk and arrested, this could work in your favor regarding liability.
Collect Evidence: Keep all photos and any documentation related to the accident, including the police report once you receive it. This can be crucial for your insurance claim and any potential legal action.
Understand Your Coverage: Review your insurance policy to understand what type of coverage you have. If you have comprehensive or collision coverage, you may be able to file a claim to cover the damage. Deductibles may apply, but it could help mitigate costs.
Talk to a Legal Professional: If you’re concerned about costs or liability, it might be worth consulting with a lawyer who specializes in auto accidents. They can help clarify your rights and responsibilities and guide you on the next steps, especially about potential recovery from the other driver.
Get an Estimate for Repairs: Once you have access to your car after the police report, take it to a mechanic to get an estimate for repairs. This will help you understand the financial impact and how to proceed with insurance.
Look Into Financial Assistance: Given your situation with college expenses, consider options like student loans or financial aid to help balance your monthly costs while you handle the car situation.
Stay Organized: Keep a record of all communications with your insurance company, police, and any legal professionals you consult. This will help you stay on top of everything and ensure you don’t miss any important steps.
In the short term, focus on gathering all the information you can, and in the long term, work on managing your finances to accommodate any unexpected costs. It may feel overwhelming, but taking it one step at a time can help you regain control. Good luck, and remember to lean on friends and family for support during this time!